Words by By Riziki Millanzi
Emily Nash is an up-and-coming DJ and producer from Worcestershire. In Summer 2021, Emily signed with the legendary Ministry of Sound, and her newest single, ‘Garden’, is being played by radio stations and DJs across the UK. Emily has over 360,000 monthly listeners on Spotify (and counting!) and is looking forward to seeing what 2022 has in store for her.
Emily is a DJ after our own hearts, telling us that Brighton has a “nice vibe” and that she’d love to come back and visit here soon. URF caught up with Emily to ask her about her plans for the year ahead, her inspirations and journey so far.
Thank you so much for having a chat with us today! We would really love to know how you got into DJing and producing – Has it always been a passion or something that you discovered later?
“I got into music production after I left King Charles School. I didn’t get the GCSE maths grade that I needed to stay on at the Sixth Form, so I went to the local Kidderminster college instead. They asked me what I was interested in and wanted to study, and I ended up on the music production course there. Whilst I was there, I uploaded some tracks to the BBC uploader, and I later got a notification that my track was being played on BBC Hereford and Worcester. From there, I was contacted by BBC Introducing…’s Jaguar who gave me my first play on Radio 1. It really opened a lot of doors for me.”
…and you’ve been super busy ever since! What was your highlight of 2021 and how is 2022 going for you so far?
“Two of the biggest highlights of 2021 have got to be DJing at Leeds Festival and Creamfields. They were only like my second ever gigs so it was an amazing experience and I’m so thankful that I got to perform at them. In a couple of weeks, I’m going to DJing at Printworks and in March I’m going to be playing at The Warehouse Project with MK, which I’m super excited for.”
You’re definitely booked and busy! You’re not only performing around the country but producing and releasing your own music too. What was it like signing for the Ministry of Sound?
“So, I signed with the Ministry of Sound in Summer 2021, I remember them sending me an email and being like ‘there’s no way that they’re actually going to sign me’. But then I sent over a couple of demos, one of which is now my single ‘Garden,’ and their reaction was really positive. Pete Tong even gave it a listen and then I was signed!”
Radio remains an important part of the industry and getting your music out there. You just mentioned your newest single ‘Garden,’ how does it feel to see your track getting so much love and plays?
“The first week that it was out I got a notification through saying that ‘Garden’ had been added to the Capital Dance playlist and then it was being played on Radio 1 by Danny Howard and Sarah Story. I’m so grateful that people want to play my music and for the support that the single is getting.”
What are your major musical influences, and what would be your dream collaboration as a DJ and producer?
“Three of my biggest musical influences are MK, Gorgan City and Duke Dumont. I’m also a big fan of Annie Mac, I remember seeing her DJing at Glastonbury and being like ‘wow, if she can do that, there’s no reason why I couldn’t do it too’. I think that she opened a lot of doors for female DJs in the industry. I would absolutely love to collaborate with Becky Hill. She actually mentioned me in the Shuttle, my local newspaper, and sent me a DM on Instagram! I kept looking back at my phone like ‘no way’!”
We’re manifesting that collaboration for you, that would be sick! You mentioned that you’re DJing at Printworks and The Warehouse Project, but is there a dream festival or venue that you would like to play?
“Definitely Glastonbury. I went every year growing up and it played a big part in shaping my music tastes and I guess forming who I am as an artist too. Performing at Glastonbury is definitely a big dream of mine.”
What would you say to anyone trying to start a career within the music industry? Do you have any advice for those who want to get their music out there and heard?
“I’d say that if you’re into it and it’s what you want to do, definitely go for it. I’d also say to be patient, there’s a lot of waiting involved. You might be trying to get your music out there or be looking to get booked and you might not get any emails or messages back, but stick with it and keep trying.”
What’s your favorite track at the moment?
“I’ve been listening to a lot of Gorgon City’s older albums and I really like their track ‘Imagination’. Especially at the moment when we’re looking towards summer and it really puts you in that summer mood. It’s a constant part of my Spotify playlists for sure.”
What’s the last song that you listened to on Spotify?
“‘Be Somebody’ by Becky Hill.”Emily Nash’s single ‘Garden’ is out now and available on Spotify, Amazon and Apple Music. Emily would like to thank everyone that has supported ‘Garden’ so far and that has listened to her music. URF would like to thank Renegade Music for giving us the opportunity to interview Emily.
